Safaricom PLC Tribe Lead Segments, Flavia Othim hands over a dummy cheque of Ksh.6,200,000 to Kenya Magical Open Commercial Director, Ronald K Meru during the Magical Kenya Open at Muthaiga Golf Club.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Safaricom has come on board as the official technology partner for the Magical Kenya Open (MKO) by sponsoring the event to the tune of KES. 6.2 million.

As the official technology partner, Safaricom will provide internet connectivity through the provision of a Cell on Wheels (COW) on the ground to support the global streaming of the event. The company will also provide scoring devices and airtime for communication support.

“We are delighted once more to be the technology partner for this year’s Magical Kenya Open. Our continued partnership with MKO has enabled us to support the game for the last nine years. As a purpose-led organization, we remain committed to supporting sports because it is transforming the lives of millions of Kenyans,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, of Safaricom.

The tournament scheduled for the 22^nd to 25^th February 2024 is committed to promoting national development through sports tourism, fostering talent and enterprise. This year the competition will feature The Golf for Disabled (G4D) which is currently underway at Muthaiga Golf Club, where the golf tournament is being held.

“Once again Safaricom has come on board to support us in putting on a world-class tournament. Safaricom has enabled us to ensure this event is viewed on the global stage by providing reliable internet connectivity, thereby boosting the live streaming of the event to international and local fans. This is made possible by Safaricom’s support, so we urge everyone to tune in wherever you are,” said Patrick Obath, Tournament Director, Magical Kenya Open.

Besides the Kenya Open, Safaricom also sponsored the Magical Kenya Ladies golf tournaments held earlier this month in Vipingo Ridge where Shannon Tan became the first player from Singapore to win a Ladies European Tour at the tourney.

The telco has been supporting sports as one of its main passion points in transforming lives since its formation.

From Left – KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti, Kenyan pro golfers Samuel Njoroge and Dismas Indiza and KOGL Commercial Director Ronald Meru at Muthaiga today.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), through its premium whisky brand Johnnie Walker, has announced a Sh 34 million sponsorship boost for the 2024 Magical Kenya Open, renewing its long-standing partnership with the tournament.

The sponsorship grants EABL the right to be the Official Alcoholic Beverage partner of the tournament, through which it will seek to elevate the event’s experience, sponsoring entertainment at the tournament village and offering fans a taste of its brands. The sponsorship will also support the tournament organizers, the Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) to meet their obligations around event organization and the prize money.

Additionally, EABL will sponsor three of the Kenyan pro golfers participating in the tournament; Dismas Indiza, Samuel Njoroge, and Daniel Nduva.

The Magical Kenya Open is held under the umbrella of the DP World Tour (formerly European Tour) and is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in Africa, attracting elite golfers from across the world. This year, the event will be held from February 22 – 25, 2024 at the par-71 Muthaiga Golf Club, with a Pro-Am preceding it on February 21. This year’s event will mark the fifth staging of a full European Tour event in Kenya since it was added to the elite series in 2019.

This year’s edition has attracted 144 elite golfers from Kenya and around the world who will battle for the $2.5 million (approximately KES 360,000,000) prize purse.

Speaking during the sponsorship announcement, Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) Managing Director Mark Ocitti expressed the company’s pride in being a longtime supporter of the tournament and the sport of golf in Kenya in general. Mr. Ocitti noted that the sponsorship is in line with Johnnie Walker’s Keep Walking philosophy and promised fans a great experience courtesy of Johnnie Walker.

“We are proud to renew our partnership with the Magical Kenya Open and to sponsor the tournament through our premium spirit brand, Johnnie Walker. As a long-standing supporter of golf in Kenya, we are committed to providing fans with a bespoke and memorable experience at the tournament. We look forward to seeing our brands bring excitement to the tournament village and we promise fans an unforgettable experience,” said Ocitti.

 “We are particularly proud to support the three Kenyan golfers, Greg Snow, Dismas Indiza, and Samuel Njoroge, as part of our sponsorship, in line with our Keep Walking philosophy that seeks to support everyone to be the best version of themselves in whatever they do,” added Ocitti.

KOGL Commercial Director Ronald Meru commended EABL for the sponsorship, noting it will assist in ensuring the success of the tournament: “We are delighted to have EABL renew its partnership with the Magical Kenya Open and to have them as the Official Alcohol Beverage Sponsor. This sponsorship will assist us in meeting our obligations around eventing and prize-giving money. The Magical Kenya Open is an important tournament that plays a significant role in positioning Kenya as an international tourism and sporting destination. We are excited to welcome international golfers to our country and promise them the best experience. I urge Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to cheer on their favorite golfers and showcase our,” said Meru.

The Kenyan contingent at the tournament will comprise Dismas Indiza, Greg Snow, Mike Kisia, Mohit Mediratta, Samuel Njoroge, Daniel Nduva, Jastas Madoya, Mutahi Kibugu, and Njoroge Kibugu. The nine were picked from the Safari Tour Order of Merit, where the top eight locals and two best regional players made slots for the MKO.

The regional qualifiers are Zimbabwean Visitor Mapwanya and Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo, Ugandan David Kamulindwa.

The eight local pros and two regional golfers will be joined by four local amateurs including John Lejirma, Deaflympics bronze medalist Isaac Makokha, Africa’s second-best hitter Michael Karanga, Josphat Rono, and Taimur Malik.